At a popular deli on New York's Upper East Side, customers get bagels and coffee served with a smile 24 hours a day. But behind the scenes, undocumented immigrant workers face sublegal wages, dangerous machinery, and abusive managers. Mild-mannered sandwich maker Mahoma Lopez has never been interested in politics, but in January 2012, he convinces a small group of his co-workers to fight back. Risking deportation and the loss of livelihood, the workers team up with a diverse crew of innovative young organizers and take the unusual step of forming an independent union, launching themselves on a journey that will test the limits of their resolve. In one rollercoaster year, they must overcome a shocking betrayal and a two month lockout. Lawyers will battle in backroom negotiations, Occupy Wall Street protesters will take over the restaurant, and a picket line will divide the neighborhood. If they can win a contract, it will set a historic precedent for low-wage workers across the country. But whatever happens, Mahoma and his compañeros won't be exploited again.

Following the 2:00 p.m. screening, there will be an in-theater Skype Q &A with one of the film's co-directors and producers, Robin Blotnick. Attend this matinee and ask anything about how this film was made and how filmmaking can support positive social change.

Part of the Diversity Film Series presented by Tacoma Community College.

Movie

Reviews

The Hand That Feeds is an impassioned socially themed documentary that may even succeed in swaying a few hearts and minds.

Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter

"The Hand That Feeds" is an effective portrayal of the intricacies of activism - and of a situation in which victories seem all too brief.